Search Engine Optimisation (SEO - what helps to improve where your website is listed on search engines such as Google and Bing) is crucial for your website to perform well and bring in sales, but did you know that you should also be building SEO into your social media posts to help you reach new users? More people (particularly the younger generation) are turning to social channels to search for things over traditional search engines such as Google etc. Harnessing the power of Social Media SEO can be a game-changer for florists looking to bloom in a competitive online marketplace. We've put together a short guide to Social Media SEO for florists below.
1. Visual Appeal: There are so many social media platforms out there but not all of them are suitable for every business. As a florist, you'll most likely lean towards platforms such as Instagram, TikTok or Pinterest, which are image-heavy and have a strong focus on visual content. Optimise your images by using high-quality photos, descriptive captions and relevant hashtags to enhance discoverability.
Top tip! We're seeing lots of low-fi trends rather than highly polished content. Slick, polished/corporate videos on TikTok will not perform as well as something filmed on a phone that looks a little imperfect.
2. Strategic Keyword Integration: Identify key words related to your florist business and incorporate them naturally into your social media posts. This will not only help users find you easily but also improve your search engine ranking over time. Our Beginner's Guide to SEO has some great tips on keywords and keyword research.
3. Consistent Branding: Your brand identity (the visible elements of your brand, such as colour, design and logo) is what makes you stand out. Consistent visuals, messaging and profile information builds trust and recognition, ultimately boosting your SEO.
4. Local SEO Focus: Ensure your business information including location, contact details and opening hours is consistently updated across all of your online platforms including your website, all of your social media channels and your Google Business listing. This will enhance your local SEO, making it easier for potential customers in your area to find you.
5. Engaging Content: Create posts that resonate with your audience. You could share behind-the-scenes glimpses, flower care tips and captivating stories. Engaging content not only keeps your audience interested but also encourages social media interactions, signalling search engines that your content is valuable. Our Social Media Tips for Florists blog post has some other handy tips you could utilise in your business.
Top tip! To be successful on social media in 2024, stop trying to sell and instead create entertaining content that fits one or more of these categories:
Relatable
Entertaining/amusing
Educational
Memes
6. Hashtag Strategy: Craft a hashtag strategy to increase the discoverability of your posts. Research trending and industry-specific hashtags to reach a broader audience. You could even develop a unique branded hashtag for your customers to use that encourages user-generated content and community engagement.
Top tip! Instagram now recommend not using lots of hashtags on a post and instead using no more than 3-5 hashtags per post.
7. Social Media Reviews: Positive reviews on social media platforms not only boost customer trust but also contribute to an overall improved SEO. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and testimonials on your social media profiles. You could incentivise customers to leave a review by hosting competitions or monthly prize draws. Don't forget that with it's super easy to display your Trustpilot reviews with a widget on an eflora florist website, we've got plenty of other fab website features too!
8. Mobile Optimisation: Given that more than 50% of all online traffic is from mobile
phones, you should ensure your social media profiles and website are optimised for mobile devices. Did you know a mobile-friendly experience is favoured by search engines, influencing your overall SEO ranking? All of our eflora websites for florists are built with mobile first technology so that they work seamlessly across all devices.
9. Collaborations and Partnerships: Partnering with other local businesses or influencers can broaden your reach and enhance your social media presence. Collaborative efforts can lead to increased visibility and improved search engine rankings.
Top tip! Consider partnering with wedding planners, photographers or event venues to showcase your work. Be sure to tag any collaborators in the relevant post - hopefully they will share your post to their followers meaning your account will reach new audiences.
10. Analytics Insights: Use analytics tools provided by social media platforms to gain insights into your audience's preferences and behaviours. Review what posts have performed well and create more like this. Adjust your strategy based on these insights to continually optimise your social media SEO efforts.
Top tip! Create a Meta for Business account for your Facebook and Instagram profiles. Meta will suggest dates and times for you to share social content based on when your followers are most active. You can also schedule content in advance here.
By integrating these Social Media SEO practices into your digital marketing strategy, not only can you showcase your beautiful blooms but you can grow a robust online presence that attracts and retains customers.
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